
In the context of New York estate law, an infant is a legal term used to refer to a minor, or a person who has not reached the age of eighteen years. This definition is outlined in the New York Estates, Powers and Trusts Law § 1-2.9-A and the Surrogate's Court Procedure Act § 103 [27]. It is important to note that the legal definition of infant differs from its everyday meaning, which typically refers to a very young child or baby.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legal term | Infant |
| Meaning | A person who has not attained the age of eighteen years |
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What You'll Learn

'Infant' means anyone under 18
In the context of New York estate law, an infant is defined as anyone under the age of 18. This legal definition is distinct from the everyday meaning of the term, which typically refers to a very young child or baby.
The legal term "infant" or "minor" is specifically used in New York estate law to refer to individuals who have not yet reached the age of majority, which is set at 18 years. This definition is outlined in the New York Estates, Powers, and Trusts Law § 1-2.9-A and the Surrogate's Court Procedure Act § 103 [27].
It's important to note that this definition is specific to the context of estate law and may not apply to other areas of New York law or legal contexts. In other areas of law, the term child may be used instead to refer to individuals under the age of 18. For example, in the New York Social Services Law § 371, a "child" is defined as "a person actually or apparently under the age of eighteen years".
The legal distinction between "infant" and the common understanding of the term is crucial to understand when dealing with estate planning, probate, and other legal matters in New York. It ensures that minors are legally protected and their interests are considered in various legal proceedings, including those related to estates and trusts.
As such, when discussing or interpreting New York estate law, it is essential to recognise that the term "infant" carries a specific legal meaning that encompasses all individuals under the age of 18. This definition may differ from general usage, but it is crucial for ensuring clarity and consistency in legal contexts.
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'Child' means under 18
In the context of New York estate law, the term "infant" is a legal term referring to a minor, or a person who has not yet reached the age of eighteen. This definition is outlined in the New York Estates, Powers and Trusts Law § 1-2.9-A and the Surrogate's Court Procedure Act § 103 [27].
The state's legal age laws establish an "age of majority" at eighteen years old. Upon reaching this age, an individual is legally considered an adult and gains the legal capacity to be assigned legal responsibility for their actions.
Prior to reaching the age of majority, minors in New York may consent to medical treatment if they are married, are a parent of a child patient, or in cases of emergency. The age of consent for sexual activity in New York is 17 years old. Sexual activity with anyone under the age of 17 is considered statutory rape and can result in severe criminal penalties, even if the minor consents.
In terms of criminal cases, New York's Raise the Age (RTA) legislation changed the age at which a child can be prosecuted as an adult from 16 to 18 years old. This means that 16 and 17-year-olds charged with misdemeanors are considered Juvenile Delinquents, while those charged with felonies are classified as Adolescent Offenders (AO).
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'Minor' means under 18
In the context of New York estate law, an "infant" is a legal term referring to a minor—a person under the age of eighteen. In the United States, the age of majority is determined by individual states, and a minor typically means someone under eighteen. However, in certain contexts, such as alcohol, gambling, and handgun laws, a minor may refer to someone under twenty-one.
The term "minor" refers to individuals who have not reached the age of majority, which is the threshold for legally becoming an adult and gaining the associated rights. While the age of majority is often set at eighteen, it can vary across jurisdictions and specific applications. For example, in some US states, the legal drinking and gambling age is twenty-one. Similarly, in Canada, the age of majority differs across provinces, with some setting it at eighteen and others at nineteen.
In the context of criminal justice, a minor may be tried and punished as a juvenile or an adult, depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the crime. In the United States, laws regarding criminal responsibility for minors vary significantly from state to state.
Minors, being under the legal age of majority, are typically under the control of their parents or legal guardians. However, in certain circumstances, a minor can achieve emancipation, freeing themselves from parental control before reaching the age of majority. Emancipation can occur through various means, such as enlistment in the military, marriage, or other events, and it grants the minor legal independence from their guardians.
While the term "minor" is commonly associated with individuals under eighteen, it is important to note that the specific age threshold can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the context in which the term is being applied.
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'Physically handicapped child' defined
In the state of New York, an infant or minor is defined as any person under the age of eighteen years. This definition is specifically applicable in the context of New York estate law.
Now, moving on to the definition of a "physically handicapped child" in New York State law:
According to New York's Social Services Law, a "physically handicapped child" is defined as a child who, due to a physical disability or infirmity, whether present from birth (congenital) or acquired later in life through accident, injury, or disease, is or may be expected to experience partial or total incapacitation in the context of education or remunerative occupation as outlined in education law. Alternatively, they may be expected to experience handicaps as outlined in public health law. This definition is provided in the context of care and protection for children.
The state of New York offers various services and support for individuals with disabilities, including physical handicaps. The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is a key organization that provides services for New Yorkers with a range of developmental disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, and other neurological impairments. The OPWDD works directly and through a network of nonprofit service providers to help individuals find employment, build community relationships, and experience overall health and wellness.
Additionally, New York has a Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) Program that offers resources for families with children who have special health care needs. This program includes an emergency treatment plan for children with epilepsy, guidelines for managing allergies and anaphylaxis in schools, and a Health Summary document for children with special health care needs.
The state also has a dedicated hotline, the Growing Up Healthy Hotline, which provides information and referrals 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for health care, immunizations, nutrition, and other relevant services. Furthermore, the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) operates a family line called HEARS (Help, Empower, Advocate, Reassure, and Support), which assists families by providing resources and referrals to various services, including food, clothing, housing, medical, and behavioral health care.
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'Abandoned child' defined
In the context of New York estate law, the term "infant" is used to refer to a minor—a person who has not attained the age of eighteen years. This definition is specifically outlined in New York Estates, Powers and Trusts Law § 1-2.9-A and the Surrogate's Court Procedure Act § 103 [27].
Now, moving on to the specific topic of "Abandoned Child Defined" under New York law:
An "abandoned child" is legally defined as a child under the age of eighteen who is abandoned by both parents, the parent with custody, or any other person lawfully charged with their care or custody. This definition is provided in the New York Social Services Law § 371. The law further specifies that an abandoned child is one who is in a state of want or suffering due to a lack of sufficient food, clothing, shelter, or medical/surgical care.
It is important to note that the definition of an "abandoned child" does not include a child who fits the description of an "abused child" or a "neglected child", as defined by the relevant New York statutes. The state recognizes that abandonment may not always be the sole issue in these cases and has separate provisions for addressing abuse and neglect.
Additionally, New York Social Services Law § 371 also defines a "physically handicapped child" as one who, due to a physical disability or infirmity, is or may be expected to be partially or totally incapacitated for education or remunerative occupation. This definition takes into account both congenital conditions and those acquired through accident, injury, or disease.
The law also mentions "supervised settings" for children, which can include placement in a supervised independent living program. These settings are meant to provide oversight and support for children who may have been abandoned, abused, or neglected.
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Frequently asked questions
In the context of New York estate law, an infant is a person who has not reached the age of 18.
In everyday usage, the term 'infant' usually refers to a very young child or baby. However, legally, it is used to refer to a minor, i.e., someone under the age of 18.
Yes, the definition may vary depending on the specific area of law and the context. For example, in the New York Social Services Law, a 'child' is defined as a person under the age of 18, but the term 'infant' is not used in this particular section of the law.








































